We remember and pay tribute to all those that served during World War II
King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Their presence underscored the solemnity of the occasion, paying tribute to the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the generation that endured and triumphed during the Second World War. The centerpiece of the commemoration was a military procession and an awe-inspiring flypast, echoing the spirit of the original celebrations in 1945 when victory over Nazi Germany was declared.
The Procession
The procession began at Parliament Square and passed several iconic landmarks, including the Cenotaph in Whitehall, which was adorned with Union Flags. This marked a rare moment, as the Cenotaph is usually left unadorned except for Remembrance Sunday. Veterans from the war, some in their 90s and 100s, took prominent positions in the parade, standing as living testaments to history. Troops from the British Armed Forces, NATO allies, Commonwealth nations, and even Ukraine participated, underscoring the global unity that defined the Allied efforts during the war.
Over 1,300 participants marched from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, representing a diverse array of groups.These included members of the British Armed Forces—comprising the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force—as well as personnel from NATO allies and the Ukrainian military. Uniformed youth organizations and cadets also took part, symbolising the passing of the torch to future generations. Notably, World War II veterans, such as 100-year-old Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, were honored participants, embodying the enduring legacy of those who served during the war. The procession passed iconic landmarks, including the Cenotaph, which was draped in Union Flags for the first time since 1920, before concluding at Buckingham Palace, where the participants were greeted by members of the royal family.
During the VE Day 80 commemorations, female soldiers from the British Army marched with pride and precision, honouring the legacy of the women who served during World War II. Their presence in the grand parade underscored the evolving role of women in the armed forces and paid tribute to the countless contributions made by women in wartime.While specific regiments were not detailed in the available sources, the participation of female personnel highlighted the strength and dedication of women in the military, reflecting both historical significance and contemporary service. The inclusion of these female soldiers in the procession served as a powerful reminder of the progress made over the decades and the enduring spirit of those who paved the way. Their involvement resonated deeply with the crowds, symbolising the indispensable contributions women have made—and continue to make—in securing peace and freedom.
Thank You for securing our freedom
The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day was a deeply moving occasion for the veterans who attended, their presence serving as living reminders of the sacrifices and triumphs of the Second World War. Honored with heartfelt tributes and applause, these heroes were at the heart of the celebrations, reflecting the nation’s profound gratitude. Their medals gleaming under the spring sunlight. For many, the day was both a moment of reflection and appreciation, as they were embraced by the cheering crowds and acknowledged by the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace. The veterans expressed their gratitude for the enduring recognition of their service, cherishing the opportunity to share their stories with a new generation, ensuring their legacy of courage and resilience remains timeless.
“Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago,” Stokes, in scarlet tunic and bearskin hat, said before saluting the RAF veteran, wearing a navy blue blazer with his medals pinned on the left breast. This year’s V-E Day events have taken on increased significance because they are likely to be the last major observance to include significant numbers of World War II veterans.
“I think we’ve been very lucky that we’ve had 80 years of peace … and we’ve got to think about all those that have (made) the ultimate sacrifice, and there’s very few of them left now because they’re all over 100,″ said Michael Burn, 67, who wore a suit patterned after Britain’s red, white and blue Union flag. “This is the last time we will celebrate the day in this sort of scale.”
A 100-year-old Royal Air Force veteran accepted the thanks of a nation Monday as Britain paused to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and honor the men and women who fought to save the country during World War II.
Military processions have long been a symbol of national pride, solidarity, and remembrance. During the VE Day commemorations in 1945, London’s streets thronged with jubilant crowds as Allied troops paraded to mark the end of the conflict in Europe. The 2025 procession mirrored this tradition, not only honouring the memory of those who fought and fell during the war but also highlighting the continuity of peace and the strong alliances forged during the war years.
Ukrainian service members marching alongside over 1,000 UK Armed Forces personnel, their presence symbolised a powerful link between past and present struggles for freedom. These Ukrainian troops, some veterans, some currently undergoing training in the UK under Operation Interflex, represented not only their nation’s resilience amid ongoing challenges but also the enduring spirit of unity and courage that VE Day embodies. Major Pavlo, an officer of the Ukrainian contingent, remarked, “The participation of Ukrainian service personnel in the VE Day parade in London symbolises our strength, courage and resilience.” Their involvement served as a testament to the unbreakable bonds forged through shared values and the collective commitment to uphold peace and liberty in the face of adversity.
Timothy Spall
As the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day commenced on May 5, 2025, actor Timothy Spall opened the commemorations in London by delivering a stirring reading of Winston Churchill’s historic 1945 victory speech. Spall, renowned for his roles in film and theatre, recited Churchill’s words: “This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole,” setting a reflective and unifying tone for the day’s events. His reading preceded a grand military procession and an aerial display over the capital, marking the beginning of a four-day national tribute to the sacrifices and triumphs of the Second World War generation.
RAF Flypast
The Red Arrows, Britain’s renowned aerobatic team, led the aerial display, which has become a hallmark of British ceremonial events. The flypast also included a Lancaster bomber, one of the iconic aircraft from the Second World War, alongside modern fighter jets and historic warplanes. This combination of past and present served as a powerful visual reminder of the sacrifices made and the progress achieved since 1945.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, radiating warmth, anticipation, and appreciation as they waved to the jubilant crowds below as the Red Arrows soared overhead, painting the sky with vibrant trails of red, white, and blue. The gathering crowd, brimming with enthusiasm and pride, erupted into cheers at the breathtaking aerial display, creating a unifying moment of celebration and gratitude. The event showcased a beautiful harmony between the royals and the public, a shared commemoration of history and the enduring spirit of resilience and unity. Children perched on shoulders, veterans proudly wore their medals, and families shared stories, all contributing to the uplifting atmosphere of this unforgettable VE Day 80 celebration.
The tradition of a flypast dates back to the end of the Second World War when the Royal Air Force first flew in formation over London as a symbol of victory. The Red Arrows, established in 1965, have since carried forward this legacy, performing precision aerobatic displays that evoke national pride. For VE Day 80, the flypast encapsulated the enduring gratitude of the British people and highlighted the continuity of the nation’s commitment to peace and defence.
King Charles III, alongside Queen Camilla and senior members of the Royal Family, stood as a beacon of unity and strength, embodying the enduring spirit of the nation. The 80th anniversary of VE Day shines as a radiant celebration of resilience and triumph, bringing to life the extraordinary stories of courage and camaraderie from the wartime era. Events like the Westminster Abbey service and the Westminster Hall concert beautifully illuminate the unwavering determination of the generation that fought for freedom, inspiring a renewed commitment to global peace and solidarity. These commemorations go beyond remembrance, serving as a powerful reminder of the alliances that shaped history and the importance of teaching future generations the value of unity, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
